Hosted by the Belfast Region City Deal at Queen’s, the event was attended by representatives from Northern Ireland’s City and Growth Deals, alongside leaders from local and regional governments, health, academia, and industry, where key insights and lessons were shared to maximise the impact of the City Deals. 

Queen’s is a key partner in the Belfast Region City Deal, where it’s leading on three regional innovation centres focused on advanced manufacturing, clinical research, and digital technologies, funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, and other partners. 

The £230m programme of innovation at Queen’s encompasses the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), iREACH Health, and Momentum One Zero, which will deliver new and better jobs, increase productivity, drive regional economic and skills growth, and spearhead the journey to Net Zero.

Highlighting themes of regional inclusion, future skills, and sustainability, the Mayor of Greater Manchester emphasised the importance of partnership in fostering innovation: "True innovation happens when people work together in partnership – to be competitive, you have to be highly collaborative."

Greater Manchester's devolution deal is transforming people’s lives – creating better social, economic, and health outcomes for our communities, and I believe the same can happen here in Northern Ireland.” 

Leader of Manchester City Council Councillor Bev Craig added: “Northern Ireland has all of the ingredients to make its City and Growth Deals real success stories, with a strong focus on skills, sustainability, and inclusive, regional impact."

"For innovation to succeed, we need the correct conditions in place, with all partners working together to achieve lasting impact for our regions – enabling a better future for the next generation.” 

In a week that showcased innovation, growth, and global sustainability on an international scale at the Global Innovation Summit hosted at Queen’s, the event marked a new chapter in working to achieve lasting economic and social benefits for the people of Northern Ireland and beyond.

Executive Director of the Belfast Region City Deal at Queen’s, David Quinn said: “These discussions were truly inspiring, highlighting the transformative impact of the City and Growth Deals in Northern Ireland and the positive impact they will have for communities across our region and beyond.  

With a 180-year legacy of innovation, Queen’s has always been at the forefront of technological advancements – finding solutions to challenges faced by our society locally and globally. That spirit of innovation continues today through initiatives like our three regional innovation centres and it was fantastic to gain insights from Manchester’s innovation journey.” 

Panel discussion: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham; Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council; David Quinn, Belfast Region City Deal Executive Director; Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Richard Baker, Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Media

For media enquiries contact Dominic Lyttle: d.lyttle@qub.ac.uk